Special Education, BA – Online Degree Completion Option

Complete your degree and prepare to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with disabilities through Arcadia University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. Designed for working professionals and transfer students, this degree completion program is ideal for candidates who hold an associate degree in education or a related field and may already be working in a school setting.

Students should have completed at least 57 college credits before entering the program. If you have not yet met the minimum credit requirement, an enrollment specialist can review your prerequisites and help identify the most efficient path toward admission.

This flexible online program builds on your academic background and professional experience while preparing you to pursue a career as a special education teacher. It is especially well suited for paraprofessionals, early childhood educators, and others already working in educational settings who want to enter this high-impact field without putting their careers on hold.

You’ll learn how to:

Arcadia’s School of Education is known for preparing responsive, highly skilled educators. This program continues that tradition through an accessible pathway designed to help students complete their bachelor’s degree and prepare for the next step in special education.

*Field work before student teaching may be completed at your place of employment, if eligible, or through placement opportunities in Pennsylvania. Arcadia field work staff will evaluate your setting and help identify a special education student teaching placement as you progress through the program.

Arcadia’s online BA in Special Education is designed for working adults who want to earn their degree and prepare for Pennsylvania PreK–12 Special Education Certification.

This flexible program lets you continue working while completing your coursework, field experiences, and student teaching requirements.

You will learn to:

Graduates are prepared to take the Praxis exam and pursue careers as special education teachers. Pennsylvania-based students may apply for PA certification, while students outside Pennsylvania should contact their state certification office to determine local requirements. Graduates may also earn an Arcadia BA through this program.

The demand for certified special education teachers continues to grow, and schools are actively seeking qualified educators. Arcadia’s online BA in Special Education offers a flexible and affordable pathway to enter this high-impact profession without putting your career on hold.

Designed for working educators, the program builds on your previous academic experience rather than starting from the first year. Students should have a minimum of 57 transferable college credits, including approved prior learning or life experience credits. You can begin in the fall or spring and progress through a fully online format tailored to support adult learners.

With this degree, you will be prepared for roles such as:

Arcadia University partners with Core Education, a third-party operating partner, to support the promotion and enrollment of select online degree programs. This collaboration allows Arcadia to extend the reach of its high-quality degree offerings to a broader audience while ensuring that all academic programs remain fully developed and delivered by Arcadia University.